GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Greensboro community mourns the loss of Mayor Pro-Tem Yvonne Johnson who passed Wednesday afternoon.
She was 82 years old.
Statement from Bennett College:
It is with an immeasurable sadness that we share news of the passing of our beloved alumna and Greensboro Mayor Pro Tem, Yvonne Johnson ’64.
Yvonne was a beacon of hope, courage, and love whose life embodied the very essence of service and leadership. As Greensboro’s first Black mayor and founder of One Step Further, Inc., she devoted her life to fighting for justice, equity, and the betterment of her community.
Yvonne’s unwavering love for Bennett College was evident in the way she championed its mission and inspired future generations of Belles to lead with purpose and grace. While our hearts ache with this tremendous loss, we find solace in the enduring impact of her life’s work.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and all who were blessed to know and love her.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Elise Walsh, JD
President
Statement from Women's Resource Center of Greensboro
The Women’s Resource Center of Greensboro mourns the loss of Yvonne Johnson, the first Chair of our Board of Directors nearly 30 years ago. Yvonne’s passion for community and unwavering dedication helped shape the Center’s mission and impact.
Ashley Brooks, Executive Director and co-founder, reflected, “Yvonne’s vision and warm spirit were the foundation of our work. Her legacy will continue to inspire us.”
We celebrate Yvonne’s life and the profound difference she made in our community.
Statement from NC Representative Kathy Manning:
I’m deeply saddened by the passing of my good friend Yvonne Johnson, Greensboro’s first African-American mayor and a trailblazer who uplifted our community through her decades of public service. My thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.
Statement from Mayor Nancy Vaughn:
Our city lost one of its champions. Mayor Pro-Tem Yvonne Johnson passed away this afternoon surrounded by family. It is an understatement to say that Yvonne was a pillar of this community. She served as a city council member for 14 years and as Mayor Pro-Tem for 6. She was also the first person of color to serve as mayor when she won in 2007.
Even in youth, Yvonne showed signs of being a future leader. She was raised in a family of faith and service, surrounded by people who believed in helping others.
She was as “local” as you can get. Graduated from Dudley High School and attended both Bennett College and North Carolina A&T State University. She would go on to be the first African American in the state to join the Junior League…again… serving wherever she could.
Yvonne Johnson didn’t just honor us through her political position. She worked with countless organizations to make a difference. She was an executive director of One Step Further, a non-profit that provides mediation and alternative court programs for Greensboro’s youth. She served on the board of directors for the Malachi House and was the first president of the Women’s Resource Center.
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